New Orleans Bound

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Why leave the country for an alternative spring break trip when New Orleans still needs your help? When I went last spring, I had no idea what to expect. What I found was an entire community of volunteers (mostly young people) who had mobilized to rebuild one of the country's most eclectic, interesting and historical cities with their own hands.

It was shocking to see how little of the city has actually been restored. The natives we met were so welcoming — many had very positive attitudes and willingly shared their Katrina stories. Everyone wanted us to really understand what makes their city unique. After we painted one Katrina survivor's house, he invited us back for a barbecue — we were invited to a bunch of parties organized just for volunteers, too.

Our tasks were a bit tough at times — we painted shot-gun houses, gardened in the Lower Ninth Ward, and helped move construction materials — but it was so worth it. At night, we slept in bunks at an elementary school that was destroyed during Katrina and converted to a volunteer center. During their off time, most volunteers in New Orleans explore the city's unique culture: the jazz clubs, French Quarter art galleries, eclectic architecture and distinct cuisine. (And take photos with Brangelina... who we spotted.)

Not everything I learned about NOLA was pretty. I watched bulldozers demolish public housing and saw gentrification happen in real time. Walking down the desolate streets of St. Bernard's Parish, we finally understood the concept of displacement. New Orleans natives willingly spoke to us about the corrupt politics which have polluted their city for years, the racism that still exists, and the need to raise awareness of their situation.

When I came home, I felt good about the trip — but I also felt a strong need to make noise about what I'd learned. Mostly, along with every other volunteer who has helped restore New Orleans, I felt like I'd helped make history.